Results 9,961-9,980 of 22,424 for speaker:Finian McGrath

Leaders' Questions (26 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: We know all that. Assessment is the issue. The Taoiseach is out of touch again.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: On the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board, Dr. Kenny mentioned that we could have more lay members. Does he think that would be a good thing?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: On the broader principle, does Dr. Kenny think it would be positive?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: Dr. Cahillane's submission referred to England to Wales and used the phrase, "assessed based on merit". She referred to the qualities of a judge, including the ability to understand and deal fairly with people and awareness of diversity of communities. In broader society, there is a perception that some judges are out of touch in some of their crazy decisions in the justice system.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: That is a broad statement. I am not naming a judge.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: There is a perception that there is a disconnect between some judicial decisions, communities and the implementation of the law. I refer to people, particularly in disadvantaged communities, who often see violent criminals getting away with light sentences while people who commit less serious crimes receive prison terms. People regularly tell me judges are out of touch. The ability to...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: Dr. Cahillane can give a general answer. I do not want to get her into trouble.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: I was surprised at some of the figures in Dr. Cahillane's submission - for example, that 30% of judges are women, and female representation is 30% in the Supreme Court, 22% in the Court of Appeal, 22% in the High Court, 42% in the Circuit Court and 30% in the District Court. I thought it would be lower. On last night's "Prime Time" there was a discussion about trying to increase female...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: Dr. Cahillane said the judges or the Government that appointed them have an excellent record in terms of independence. What is this statement based on? Her submission also stated that judges had admitted using political influence to ensure their appointments. We all know legal people who canvass for certain politicians and a few months or a year or two later become judges. How can this be...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: Is it?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: I would not agree with it.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: Like the Chairman, I would like to thank all the witnesses for their contributions which were precise. They have definitely provoked me and the rest of the committee, which is a good thing.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: I mean that some of the ideas provoked me in a positive way.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: All the witnesses spoke about diversity. I think we have to widen that issue out and not just in terms of gender. My first question concerns public perception of the legal profession, the Law Library and judicial appointments, which is that it is a strong, class-based system from which certain people are excluded. It is interesting that Dr. Carroll MacNeill mentioned Australia. A friend...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Judicial Appointments: Discussion (26 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: Diversity is broader than that.

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Community Employment Schemes Places (26 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: 37. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will support a vital north-east city community after-school service for disadvantaged communities (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45418/14]

Written Answers — Department of Social Protection: Community Employment Schemes Cessation (26 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: 44. To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding community employment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45559/14]

Written Answers — Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation: Consumer Protection (26 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: 70. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding EU and travel issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45558/14]

- Human Rights Budgeting: Motion [Private Members] (25 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: I welcome the opportunity to speak in this very important debate on the future of this country, the way we distribute the resources in our society and the urgent need to build a new Ireland, built on equality and social justice. I commend and thank my colleague, Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan, on bringing forward this motion, on bringing us all together and on putting forward a reasonable and...

Leaders' Questions (25 Nov 2014)

Finian McGrath: Hear, hear.